APPLIQUEING AND QUILTING IT
Not a lot of really creative things going on here this past week. I am in a mode to get some quilting done and finish up another two project also.
I have been working on quilting my Crazy Christmas Trees runner. I really like metallic thread, but in the past I have had breakage problems with it. While at a quilt show in October, the Superior Thread vendor booth gave me a free video on thread usage. I took some time to watch the entire thing about an hour's worth. So helpful!!!!!
The lesson on metallics thread was such a fantastic improvement dealing with them. So simple too. Use a metallic needle, well that makes sense. But, the real clue was to reduce the upper tension on my machine to one. Thats right all the way from the usual 4 or 5 down to 1. No breakage!!!!!!
I am alternating gold and silver metallic threads. I use a 50 wt thread with them in the bobbin that matches my backing. Not one breakage problem.
I am also appliquéing the fish down on my Fish for Noah placemats. A bit of a different appliqué method, but one I used when I originally made myself four placemats that have been washed many times and held up well. Besides I think it gives the fish a little bit of drama to the appliqué.
So this guy is getting completed and ready to do the actual quilting on the placemat itself.
And the finished product. This is one of six. Each fish is done with different fabrics in different places. All background and binding will be the same.
Wow! You play with fabrics and threads in a way I have never even considered and I absolutely love it! Your combinations are so very pretty.....metallic threads may be in my future! Thank you so much for the tension hint as well as for sharing such an inspirational post! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletesuch great tips!!!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty. What great placemats.
ReplyDeleteThese fish placemats are so cute. They will make dinner more enjoyable for sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience ... I had no idea that metallic needles even existed!
ReplyDeletePretty placemats, I love this cute fish!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking fish placemat, I am attracted to anything with fish.
ReplyDeleteSo cute. Glad you solved your thread problem. Metallics can be tricky.
ReplyDeleteI agree metallic threads can cause real aggravation but I am glad you have solved the problem. The thread looks great on those cute fish!
ReplyDeleteLovely fish placemat, and great tip for using the metallic thread.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the secrets of working with metallics. They have never been my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThat fish! He is so darn cute! Metallic threads are a bit fussy but worth the effort. I love the sparkle they add to a project. Reducing tension was the first lesson I learned when using metallic - it's amazing how little tension is needed. Have fun with the rest of the fishy placemats!
ReplyDeleteCool fish. He looks great. Metallic threads are fun to use but truth is I haven’t used them much recently.
ReplyDeleteI love Superior Threads. They've visited our guild in the past and are so helpful & friendly. Your fish looks fantastic -- speaking as a pisces! Lol!
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